At the college of Idaho there is an incredible gem and mineral collection. I first saw the collection on a field trip with a geology class I was taking at Boise State University. At the time I was not a rock hound yet so the thought of photographing it never occurred to me. Since becoming a rock hound I have had the opportunity to view this collection two more times. Both times I didn’t have a camera.
Last night the Owyhee Gem and Mineral Society arranged to view the collection before their monthly meeting which meets down the hall from the collection. I was excited about this and made sure that I had a camera this time. Upon arriving at the Boone Science Building where the collection is housed I was informed that the key to open the room where the collection was housed could not be found. Instead of viewing the gem and mineral collection we would be viewing the natural history museum which is in the basement of the same building.
I was disappointed that I would not be viewing the gem and mineral collection but the opportunity to view the natural history museum was not a bad second option. About a year ago at a Owyhee Gem and Mineral Society meeting there was a presentation of some of leaf fossils that museum had that were collected in the area. The little bit that was shown then was fascinating so the complete displays had to be worth viewing.
The first display that can be seen as you enter the museum is of African antelope and mammals of North America. Following that there is an insect collection. Then came the parts I was more interested in, Indian artifacts and fossils. The piece that I liked the most was a very large chunk of petrified dino bone. This piece was behind a main display in a work area. I kept thinking it would be nice to cut it up into slabs. Anyway, the museum had many interesting items on display. Even the non rock related displays were interesting.
I am not sure what hours the museums are opened. Every time I have been able to view the Gem and mineral collection it was by special appointment. It was the same for the natural history museum. I asked for a flyer about museums but was not given one. If you do get the chance to view either of these collections it will be well worth your time if you like gems, minerals or fossils.
The photos below and their linked albums show part of the gem and mineral collection that can be seen from outside the collection room and the photos from the natural history museum.
Click the photo below to see a full album of photos from the gem museum.
Brazilian Agate
Click the photo below to see a full album of photos from the natural history museum.
Dino Bone
